---
title: "The Hottest Hotel Experiences Right Now"
description: "What matters now isn't just checking in — it's what guests experience while they're there."
published: 2024-08-12T03:00:00+00:00
author: "ONDA 편집팀"
category: "Insights"
image: "https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/66b9c030917bae26ae5aa339_link-hoang-UoqAR2pOxMo-unsplash.jpg"
canonical: https://global.onda.me/en/blog?slug=yojeumen-ireon-hokangseuga-ddeubnida
locale: en
---
# The Hottest Hotel Experiences Right Now

**Hocance (hotel + vacance)** is a household term now.

But the word first surfaced in the mid-2000s. [Media mentions started around 2005](https://www.redian.org/news/articleView.html?idxno=117914), and usage gradually picked up. The concept really exploded during the No Japan boycott and the pandemic — when staying local became the default.

![(Source: Naver Keyword Tool)](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/66b9c246f57d08158d569f35_66b9c1317e456cf74f80c190_ED_98_B8_EC_BA_89_EC_8A_A4_20_EB_84_A4_EC_9D_B4_EB_B2_84_20_ED_82_A4_EC_9B_8C_EB_93_9C_20_EB_8F_84_EA_B5_AC.png)

Naver search data shows steady interest in hocance — spiking every summer. Not just Gen Z, either. People in their 30s and 40s are searching just as much.

These days, hotels aren't just selling rooms. **They're selling themed experiences.** And competition is fierce.

The biggest summer trend? **"Soocance" (water + hocance)**. Think beyond pools — [yacht excursions, surf lessons, DJ pool parties](http://www.financialreview.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=29727). Hotels are packaging aquatic experiences into every imaginable format.

![(Source: Yangyang GRAN BAY by SOTTA Suites)](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/66b9c246f57d08158d569f78_66b9c1585891324ff0f8d8ba_granbay-2.jpeg)

**"Keycance" (kids + hocance)** is also booming. Hotels are theming rooms around popular characters — Catch! Teenieping, Kakao Friends, Minions. Others bundle in [English camps, baking classes, and activities](https://www.slist.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=569426) kids can't do at home.

For guests craving total rest, there's **"Wellcance" (wellness + hocance)** and **"Hyucance" (休, rest + hocance)**. These packages load rooms with massage chairs, air purifiers, mental care devices, and motion beds — along with healthy meal kits and beverages.

![(Source: ChatGPT-generated image)](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/66b9c245f57d08158d569f2f_66b9c1795c0d2cc158e72f57_converted_hotel_room_image.jpeg)

Pet owners are traveling more than ever. Korea Tourism Organization data shows 60.4% of pet owners took an overnight trip with their dog in the past year (up from 53% in 2022). Nearly 75% plan to travel with their pets in the next 12 months.

Hotels are responding with **"Petcance"** and **"Meongcance" (멍멍, bark + hocance)** packages. That means pet amenities, strollers, grooming kits, toys — everything a pet parent needs.

There's more. **"Meokcance" (food + hocance)** for foodies. **"Byucance" (beauty + hocance)** with beauty treatments and products. **"Artcance"** for culture lovers. The common thread: **hotels competing on experience, not just accommodation.**

This trend isn't Korea-only. **"Staycations" are surging globally.** In cities like New York and San Francisco, locals are booking luxury hotels nearby to [skip the flight and enjoy spas, Michelin dining, and rooftop bars](https://nypost.com/2024/07/05/lifestyle/inflation-is-making-travel-impossible-book-a-staycation-in-nyc-and-dupe-it-for-paris-or-london/) close to home — especially as inflation squeezes travel budgets.

Why the shift? **Consumers — especially Gen Z and Millennials — value experiences over ownership.** A Korea Economic Research Institute [report on consumption trends](https://eiec.kdi.re.kr/policy/domesticView.do?ac=0000173850) found that younger consumers prioritize unique experiences and hobbies over material goods.

Expect more themed packages. Hotels used to compete on service and comfort. **Now they compete on what guests can experience while they're there.**